Abstract: A chip sorting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an article transport mechanism, a light source positioned to direct light across surfaces of transported articles, and a detector positioned to detect light reflected from such surfaces and emit signals each indicative of a spectrum of light reflected by one such article as such articles are transported. A signal analyzer compares detector signals with stored data representative of the colors of articles of a set of articles being sorted. The analyzer emits article identifying signals reflective of such comparison. The apparatus also includes a sorter which is responsive to such identifying signals and directs identified articles from the transport mechanism into appropriate ones of a set of collection stations. A method of sorting a set of articles according to color is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting the color of an article such as gambling chips to permit the different color chips to be sorted. The method comprises sensing the color of the article at a plurality of places thereon by moving the article relative to color sensing means and integrating the color measured with respect to time.